Philippine Dessert Halo-Halo Goes Gourmet With Edible Gold and Unique Flavors

Halo-halo, the iconic Filipino dessert, is getting an upscale twist as vendors add gourmet ingredients and visually striking presentations to attract customers. From ube ice cream to 24-karat gold foil, these creations are making a splash on social media and in food delivery apps.

Halo-Halo Vendors Embrace Instagram-Worthy Innovations to Attract Fans in the Philippines

Halo-halo vendors, known in the Philippines for their emblematic frosty dessert, are increasingly innovative and developing their products with Instagram in mind.

Halo-halo, which translates to "mix-mix" in Tagalog, is a mash-up of various flavors and textures, including shaved ice, tropical fruits, jellies, and sweetened legumes. The confection, believed to have originated from Japanese shaved ice kakigori, is available in various establishments throughout Manila, including fast-food chains, restaurants, and specialty stores.

According to Nikkei Asia, this reporter visited an outlet of Chowking, a Chinese fast-food chain operated by local restaurant behemoth Jollibee Foods, as an introduction to a classic halo-halo. According to a manager, Chowking's halo-halo is made with ingredients and seasonings that are well-known to many Filipinos.

SuperSangkap halo-halo, priced at 95 pesos ($1.70) for a medium size, is ice cream prepared from ube purple yam, condensed milk, tapioca pearls, and flan. To consume this summer delicacy, use a tall utensil to stir everything together.

Due to the proliferation of food delivery applications, an increasing number of individuals are now consuming halo-halo in their residences and workplaces. To surpass their competitors, restaurants, and stores are adopting innovative strategies.

Bebang HaloHalo's store opened in August within the expansive SM Megamall retail center and is a favorite among TikTok users. The dessert was delivered in a half hour during the reporter's visit on a weekday.

Bebang's Vibrant Halo-Halo with Gold Foil Draws Crowds, While Razon's Simplicity Wins Hearts

The establishment is primarily focused on takeout orders and has a limited number of seatings. While waiting, a few young customers photographed the establishment.

"I tried six different stores, and this was the best, so I brought my coworkers this time," said a woman visiting from the U.K. on a business trip.

The reason for Bebang's popularity is undeniably the vibrant presentation of its products, with some highlighting the colors of fruit mix-ins like cantaloupes and strawberries.

Bebang's "Presidential" halo-halo, priced at 178 pesos, contains various ingredients, including nata de coco gel, banana, and ube marmalade. The "Royal" edition, priced at 498 pesos, is adorned with edible 24-karat gold foil.

Bebang uses frozen milk instead of regular ice to prevent its treats from being watered and ensure the taste of its halo-halos is as good as it appears.

One restaurant defies the prevailing belief that "more is better" and instead emphasizes simplicity. Razon's halo-halo, priced at 160 pesos for the standard size, lacks any distinctive toppings except for flan. Its brown-colored appearance is hardly characterized as multicolored.

However, this recipe from the Pampanga region, renowned as the culinary capital of the Philippines, leaves one feeling contented due to the natural sweetness of the banana and milk nectar.